New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-02-24
THE NEW DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

THE BILL CREATING IT PASSED BY THE SENATE -
CHANGES MADE BY THE MEASURE.
WASHINGTON, Feb. % (Specidl. The House bill to
enlarge the powers and duties OF the Commissioner OF
Agriculture and elevate him to the rank OF Cabinet
officer passed the Senate to-day without division
Senator Miller, who began his speech in favor OF the
bill as amended by the Senate on Yesterday, held the
floor during most OF to-day, and in running debate
which lasted several hours succeeded in meeting the
various objec ions urged 10 some Of the amendments.
The most difficult one 10 carry through the senate was
that which proposed 10 transfer the Weather Bureau
from the War Department To- the new department
Senator Harrison and others thought would be bet
ter TO the Committee on Military Affairs pass on
this matter least tar ii would affect the status
of the Army officers now connected with the Signal
Service. Senator Hale declared that tn subject was
one which presented many diihcultirs he would be
10th TO vote the proposed transfer OF tie Weather
Bureau. The proposition in the bill in which poti-
clans are most interested, OF course is that which
creates a new Cabinet office AMI large number OF
interior officers in the Department OF Agriculture IT.
self The measure has never before been favorably
cons:dered by the Serate. IL n,w roes back 10 the
House tor concurrence IN the amendments. II It be
sent to conference committee there is fair prospect
that II will pass both HOuses IL was said to-day by
friend OF thtlPresidents that the bill reaches him be
will return it without his approval.
The bill creates an Executive Department. 10 be
known the Department OF Agriculture aud Labor
with q Secretary and Assistant Secretary to be APP
pointed by the reidcnt, by aud with the advice and
consent oi the Senate The Secretary Is TO receive the
same salary the heads OF the other Executive De
partnent ami the Secretary the same salary
as the Assistant Secretary OF The Interior Department
| The Bui eau OF Labor organized and existing
IS transferred TO the Department OF Agriculture Tho
department Is to include bureau under the charge OF
Commissioner OF Labor to be appointed by the Pres
ident BY aud with the advice and consent OF the Sen
ate This ComDs Toner is to hod his Office four years
and to receive salary OF $4,000. lie Is TO collect
Information the subject OF lanOr rates OF wages,
hours Of labor means Ol promoting the mate Ia,
social ectual AID moral advancement OF aud
women, ETC. The Commissioner ia TO have ohef
clerk at 81 900 salary and such other employee
NAV be necessary The Secretary to inquire into the
causes OF discomfort between employers and employees
within the United States and NAV invite and hear
sworn statements from both parties concerning tho
meters in controversy
The weather service OF the United States Signal Ser
Woe Bureau to be transferred after July L. 1897
the Department OF Agriculture and Labor, and 10 to
consist OF Chief and the necessary subOrdin to
officers and employees. The present organization OF
the subordinate force Of the bureau. including the
Second Lieutensnts in service is to continue its
Chief 10 to be paid salary OF 81, 800 snd is be sp-
pointed by the President, by and with toe advice and
consent OF the S-nate The compensation of the en-
loyes and enlisted is to continue now and the
present status in the Army OF the commissioned
officers is DOT to be considered altered Affected The
Chief Signal officer OF the Army, in addition t. his
strictly military dutc may be assigned to the charge
OF the Weather Bureau until Chief OF the bureau Is
appointed and confirmed.